European landscapes reflect not only the continent's diverse climate and geology but also centuries of interaction between man and nature. A new European Environment Agency (EEA) study reviews this interplay, highlighting the main threats to this rich heritage and initiatives to protect it.

Cultural landscapes: the combined
work of nature and man

UNESCO's
World Heritage Committee defines cultural landscapes as geographical areas 'representing the combined work of nature and man'. The concept is particularly
relevant in Europe, where large-scale human
impacts on land starting in Neolithic times (c. 3000–1100 BC). Hunting,
cultivation (of cereals, fruits and other crops) and settlements altered
natural ecosystems and shaped Europe’s
landscape.

Until the
18th century, European landscapes preserved many remnants and structures of the
remote past. Since then, however, enormous technological and social changes
have fundamentally altered land use. Transport infrastructure and urbanisation have
fragmented habitats, while intensified agriculture has created a much more homogenised
landscape, threatening the diversity of habitats, species and genes.

An
important element of the 'cultural landscape' concept is recognition that human
activities are key drivers of changes in ecosystems — with potentially severe
impacts on human wellbeing. But the concept also reflects the idea that human
cultures are themselves shaped by their natural surroundings and ascribe huge
value to local ecosystems for their spiritual, aesthetic and recreational
properties.

Appreciating the Parmigiano-Reggiano,
feta, cheddar, gouda…

Of course,
in addition to cultural values, ecosystems also provide a lot of goods and
services that are economically beneficial. For example, wild relatives of
common crops can provide pest and disease resistance, while also increasing
yields. Moreover, diverse local produce and traditional lifestyles also attract
tourists eager to experience distinctive tastes and traditions. This in turn provides
additional employment in rural areas, maintaining local population levels.

Recognising
the cultural and economic value of the natural world, it becomes clear that we
owe it to our children and subsequent generations to preserve this 'biodiversity heritage'. Correspondingly, initiatives exist to protect European
biodiversity heritage at various levels: from the European Landscape Convention
to labelling and certification schemes that promote local produce and
traditional activities.

Incorporating
such instruments and initiatives into regional and local planning and involving
local communities will be essential to secure Europe’s
biodiversity heritage and maintain multifunctional landscapes.

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